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How a kitchen renovation adds value to your home

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:24:13 GMT

Why kitchens matter so much to home value

The kitchen has long been considered the heart of the home — and for good reason. It’s one of the most used spaces in any house, and one of the first areas buyers assess when forming an impression.

In Australia, kitchen renovations consistently rank among the most valuable home improvements, both in terms of liveability and resale appeal.

What buyers and homeowners look for

Modern buyers — and homeowners planning to stay long term — value kitchens that offer:

generous bench space
efficient layouts
ample storage
quality cabinetry
seamless connection to living and dining areas

These features aren’t usually achievable through cosmetic updates alone.

How a renovation adds value beyond appearance

A full kitchen renovation adds value in several ways:

1. Improved functionality

Better layouts, smarter storage and practical workflows make daily life easier.

2. Long-term durability

Custom cabinetry and quality hardware outlast surface-level updates.

3. Lifestyle appeal

Islands, breakfast bars and open-plan connections support modern living.

4. Buyer confidence

A custom-designed and professionally made kitchen signals quality and long-term care.

Return on investment for a kitchen renovation

Kitchen renovations are widely regarded as one of the stronger value-adding improvements in Australian homes. While returns vary by locality and market conditions, mid-range renovations are often cited as delivering solid returns at resale — particularly when they improve layout, storage and functionality.

The key is to avoid overcapitalising: renovations should align with your property’s value and the expectations of your local market.

A real example: From "tired to timeless"

In one of our Shepparton kitchen renovations, the owners of a 1928 Californian bungalow initially considered a cosmetic refresh before realising a full renovation would better suit their lifestyle and home.

By reworking the layout, adding a rectangular island and incorporating a butler’s pantry and laundry combination, the renovation delivered:

improved daily usability
better storage and bench space
a kitchen that suits modern living
long-term value aligned with the home’s character

Renovating with the future in mind

Whether you plan to stay in your home for years or sell down the track, a thoughtfully designed kitchen renovation is an investment in both lifestyle and value.

The key is working with experienced cabinetry specialists who understand how to balance design, function and longevity.

Considering a kitchen renovation?

KitchenWise designs and builds kitchens that enhance how homes function today — and how they’re valued tomorrow.

To book a consultation to discuss your renovation goals, email info@kitchenwise.com.au or call 03 5831 2077 .

Kitchen reface vs renovation: What you need to consider

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:51:08 GMT

SHOULD YOU REFACE OR RENOVATE YOUR KITCHEN?

If your kitchen is looking tired, you may be wondering if your existing cabinetry can be refaced, or whether you should invest in a full renovation. While both options can improve how your kitchen looks, only a kitchen renovation can fundamentally improve how it functions.

Understanding the difference between a reface and a renovation can help you decide which option will deliver the best outcome for your home, lifestyle and long-term plans.

WHAT IS A KITCHEN REFACE?

A kitchen reface is a cosmetic update of the visible surfaces of your cabinetry, without replacing the cabinet carcasses.

A reface includes:

replacing cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and end panels
refacing kickboards and headboards
replacing handles and hinges
replacing benchtops
updating splashbacks

A reface can be a good option when:

the layout already works well
cabinetry carcasses are structurally sound
storage and bench space are sufficient

Refacing is a cosmetic makeover of the cabinet exterior and replacement of benchtop, not a solution for more storage capacity or benchtop space. Not every kitchen is workable for a reface, and while refacing is sometimes a more budget-friendly option, this is not always the case.

Just like a renovation, there are a lot of variables that determine the simplicity or complexity of a kitchen reface, and therefore the final cost. For example, the s ize and scale of your project, material selections, and the home's age and condition of cabinetry.

Limitations of a kitchen reface include:

keeps the existing layout of cabinetry and appliances
doesn’t change workflow
restricts the size of new appliances (so won't accommodate a bigger fridge, sink or cooktop)
doesn't fix poor storage or lack of bench space
may not suit how your household has changed over time
won't deliver lasting satisfaction if your kitchen feels cramped, disconnected from adjoining spaces or difficult to work in.

KITCHEN REFACE PLUS ALTERATIONS

For durability and safety, some homes need cabinetry alterations and/or plumbing, electrical upgrade, or floor repair in conjunction with a kitchen reface, adding cost and scale to the project. For example, there may be water damage in a cabinetry carcass or rot starting behind the kickrail from leaking plumbing, or the distance from cooktop to rangehood pre-dates current Australian safety standards.

These are just some of the reasons it is important to have an experienced cabinet maker assess your layout, cabinetry condition and goals — so you clearly understand what is achievable, compliant and cost-effective.

WHAT A KITCHEN RENOVATION MAKES POSSIBLE

A kitchen renovation allows you to rethink the space entirely — not just how it looks, but how it works. See how this Kialla kitchen renovation transformed a pokey space into the hub of the home.

A renovation can include:

a new layout
custom cabinetry designed for your storage needs
improved bench space
better connection to dining or living areas
overhead cabinet task lighting, electrical and plumbing upgrades

This approach is particularly valuable when:

your kitchen layout no longer suits your lifestyle
storage is limited or inefficient
the kitchen feels closed-in or outdated
you plan to stay in your home long term

REFACE OR RENOVATION: WHICH ADDS MORE VALUE?

Kitchen renovations are consistently ranked among the most value-adding improvements in Australian homes. When thoughtfully designed, they not only enhance visual appeal but also improve layout, storage and overall functionality — factors that strongly influence long-term liveability and resale appeal.

While a reface can refresh the look of your kitchen, a well-planned renovation typically delivers greater long-term value because it addresses how the space works, not just how it appears. Improvements to workflow, bench space, storage solutions and connection to adjoining living areas all contribute to everyday usability — something buyers consistently prioritise.

For homeowners thinking beyond the short term — whether planning to stay for many years or considering future resale — this distinction is important. Learn more about how kitchen renovations add value to your home.

KITCHEN REFACE WITH ALTERATIONS TO CABINET CARCASSES

With so many variables from one kitchen to another, an expert cabinet maker can help you understand what alterations are achievable within your design and budget.

Perhaps you plan to buy a wider fridge, or would like more drawers in the existing cabinetry carcasses. While this may be possible, industry experts can tell you if this will create a snowball effect you may not have considered.

For example, in the right circumstances a two-door cupboard in an existing 800mm-wide carcass can be altered to include a bank of drawers. But if you want the drawers to be wider than the carcass, multiple alterations to surrounding cabinetry will be needed — and then the project takes shape of a partial kitchen renovation, requiring more labour and material costs. With your budget and kitchen goals front of mind, it is important to understand your options and if a partial or full renovation is your best solution.

Or, maybe you would love a wire carousel hardware installed in your old corner cupboard. Again, a professional cabinet maker can explain if this is possible within the depth and condition of your corner carcass, door size, or if plumbing or gas services in the cabinet will get in the way.

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

A common misconception is that a kitchen reface will automatically be the least expensive solution. In reality, costs vary depending on the condition and layout of your existing cabinetry, the complexity of any required or desired alterations, and the outcome you hope to achieve.

A design consultation with a professional cabinet maker can help clarify:

whether your layout can be improved
how much additional storage or bench space is achievable
what level of investment will deliver the strongest long-term value

Even if you ultimately choose a reface — with or without some cabinetry alterations — informed advice ensures you’re making a decision that suits your home, lifestyle and future plans.

THINKING ABOUT YOUR KITCHEN?

If you’re weighing up a reface and/or alterations versus a renovation, KitchenWise can help you understand what's possible in your home — and which approach will best suit your space, lifestyle and long-term plans.

Email your enquiry to info@kitchenwise.com.au or call us on 03 5831 2077 .

5 reasons pull-out storage makes everyday living easier

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 02:24:34 GMT

Pull-out storage integrated in your cabinetry

In today’s homes, good design isn’t just about how a space looks — it’s about how it works. Pull-out storage hardware is one of the simplest ways to improve the usability of any kitchen, laundry or bathroom, especially when it’s integrated into custom cabinetry. Whether it’s a pull-out wire rack, slide-out corner carousel a sliding caddy or an integrated bin, these inclusions make a noticeable difference in day-to-day life.

Here are five reasons homeowners are choosing pull-out storage solutions in their new or renovated spaces:

1. Easy access — No more digging or stretching

Deep cupboards are notorious for becoming “black holes.” Pull-out racks and caddies bring items to you , eliminating the need to bend, reach or unpack half a cupboard to find what you need. It’s smarter storage for all ages.

2. Better organisation that actually stays organised

Pull-outs create natural “zones” for oils, spices, cleaning products, bins, hampers, and more. Because everything has a dedicated spot, clutter becomes harder to accumulate — and easier to tidy.

3. Space you didn’t know you had

Custom cabinetry maximises every millimetre. Narrow gaps beside appliances or awkward corners are perfect places for slim pull-outs or vertical storage. You gain functional space without changing your room layout.

4. Cleaner, safer, more hygienic living

Integrated bins, laundry hampers and cleaning caddies reduce bench mess, keep odours contained and support better household hygiene. Everything is tucked away yet always within reach.

5. A more enjoyable everyday routine

Small improvements add up. Being able to glide out the pantry rack, access oils beside the cooktop, pull out the hamper or tuck away the ironing board creates a smoother workflow — and that’s something every household appreciates.

When these elements are built into custom cabinetry by experts, they’re not just an add-on — they’re a seamless part of the room’s functionality and long-term value.

Experts in storage solutions

At KitchenWise our design team can help maximise every millimetre of your storage space with pull-out storage solutions integrated in your custom-designed cabinetry.

To book a design consultation, call our team on 03 5831 2077 or email info@kitchenwise.com.au

Ladies Who Lunch 2025

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 01:52:39 GMT

Supporting women's oncology services at GV Health

We are proudly supporting Ladies Who Lunch 2025 presented by GV Health Foundation , which raises money for women's oncology services at GV Health.

Our support for tomorrow's event includes sponsorship of fourth prize in the raffle, which has more than $12,000 in prizes.

Fourth prize, donated by KitchenWise is a Luxury Escapes package, valued at $1000.

The package for two nights at The Benev, Wellness Sanctuary in Beechworth includes a $100 Spa credit, bottle of wine and cheese platter on arrival.

"We are proud to be among the local businesses supporting this important fundraising event," KitchenWise co-director Mark Boldiston said.

"Event organisers have done an incredible job to ensure Ladies Who Lunch is a great day out for hundreds of local women, while supporting women undergoing cancer treatment locally at GV Health."

Ladies Who Lunch 2025 Raffle

Hurry - Buy your ticket(s)

The Ladies Who Lunch 2025 Raffle will be drawn at tomorrow's event in Shepparton, but there's still time to buy a ticket online before the draw. Just click on this link, and follow the prompts: https://shoutforgood.com/event-ticketings/LWLRaffle25

Contemporary stone island kitchen - Goulburn Weir

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 00:34:42 GMT

Client story: Kitchen & Butler's Pantry | Laundry | Beverage Bar

From geometric and textural design to modern functionality, Ross Blackwood and Sharyn McPhee’s contemporary kitchen , custom-made laundry cabinets and beverage bar are packed with wow factor.

At the heart of the kitchen design is an angled and tapered stone kitchen island , with the main focal point a perfect triangle of feature stone on the back of the island.

“We love the look and the functionality,” Ross says of the custom kitchen, laundry cabinets and beverage bar with open shelving by KitchenWise .

Stone kitchen island anchors design

Ross and Sharyn’s bespoke stone island kitchen anchors the mix of shapes, colours and materials flowing from kitchen with butler’s pantry to beverage bar in the open-plan living and dining space, and custom-made laundry cabinets.

“I love the stone kitchen island benchtop, and how the cupboards and soft-close drawers make life as easy as possible,”

Sharyn says.

Before & After: Kitchen renovation and new laundry

Ross and Sharyn moved into their 1981-built lakeside house at Goulburn Weir, near Nagambie, on full-time retirement.

“It was dark and enclosed, with a multitude of walls,” Sharyn recalls. “The old kitchen was all pine, and the raked ceiling had exposed rafters and was also lined with pine.”

After a builder opened and extended the space, KitchenWise designers and cabinet makers set to work on the couple’s light-filled stone island kitchen and modern laundry, and custom-made beverage bar.

Triangular-shaped stone kitchen island

The kitchen island in Quantum Quartz Angelico Palazzo has a classic waterfall edge (90° angle) on the stone benchtop’s narrower end (closest to ovens) and a bold 60° angle on the wider end, which borders the hero design feature: an inverted triangle of stone spilling from benchtop to floor tiles.

Ross and Sharyn's contemporary kitchen design gives the illusion of the feature stone’s pointy tip balancing on the floor, and is a huge talking point for visitors.

Our design and manufacturing team have ensured the stone kitchen island’s triangle feature is not a void space by including an angled cupboard with internal shelves for kitchen storage – and more visual impact to the geometric kitchen design.

Custom cabinetry with design flow

Our custom-designed cabinetry for Ross and Sharyn delivers high-end function and design flow, including:

Stone island kitchen (main cooking and food preparation) with U-shaped peninsular kitchen (baking zone)
Walk-in butler’s pantry
Beverage bar (lounge) with angled timber corner shelving (into dining space)
Modern laundry

Island kitchen design with peninsular kitchen

Ross and Sharyn’s contemporary island kitchen includes a smaller U-shaped peninsular kitchen within a few steps from the walk-in butler’s pantry .

This fully-appointed nook includes an inset sink, coffee station with roller door, and cabinets with pull-out wire hardware, and sliding shelves for easy access to bakeware, appliances and ingredients.

“I call this area my baker’s kitchen,” Sharyn says. “The home’s previous entry was into a mudroom into a formal dining room, where my baker’s kitchen is now.”

KITCHEN DESIGN FEATURES

1. Benchtops and splashbacks

Kitchen island: Quantum Quartz Angelico Palazzo
Cooktop wall: Benchtop and splashback into window reveal Demoos Dekton
Peninsular kitchen and butler’s pantry: Benchtops Stone Ambassador Omega White Porcelain Splashbacks Quantum Quartz Angelico Palazzo

2. Doors and drawer fronts

Painted (satin finish) in three colours – Otway (Haymes Paint); and French Green and Volcanic Ash (Porters Paint)
Flat and scalloped profiles
Display cupboard door frame (cooktop wall)

3. Display cabinets and shelving

Solid timber (Wormy Chestnut) door frame with mesh insert
Open shelves in Wormy Chestnut timber veneer in kitchen, butler’s pantry and laundry
Base cabinet Melamine shelves (Seed, natural finish) in walk-in butler’s pantry

4. Kitchen design accents

Timber tones
Copper laminate
Semi-circle copper handles, positioned to create a circle effect with adjoining cabinets

5. Kitchen design flow

The KitchenWise design team has ensured seamless workflow between the renovated kitchen’s storage solutions and integrated appliances, including:

Wall ovens (cooking, steaming, baking) and microwave
Warming drawer
Sinks and two dishwashers
Tall pull-out pantry
Fully integrated fridge behind scalloped doors

6. Cabinet lighting

There is ample task lighting with under-cabinet LED strip lights , while feature lights add extra design elegance to the copper laminate kickrails and Wormy Chestnut display cabinets.

“I love the way the copper changes colour with the lighting at different times of the day,” Sharyn says.”

7. Kitchen storage solutions

Sliding pantries
Slide-out towel rail
Slide-out caddies and double bins
Drawer inserts and dividers

BEVERAGE BAR DESIGN FEATURES

Integrated wine fridge
Overhead doors with mesh insert
Built-in wine rack
Angled solid timber shelves which wrap-around corner wall from living area to dining zone

Laundry to love

Ross and Sharyn wanted a custom laundry that is beautiful and organised, where items large and small are hidden away – but always at their fingertips.

Our team designed and crafted ample bench space for tasks, an expanse of customised cabinetry for a clutter-free work zone, a timber-veneer frame around the washing and drying machines, and a seamless design flow from their stunning kitchen.

LAUNDRY DESIGN FEATURES:

1. Materials

Benchtops: Malibu Formica Laminate
Drawers and doors: Polytech, painted Volcanic Ash (Porter’s Paint), satin finish
Open shelving: Wormy Chestnut timber veneer
Hanging rail and sinks: Colour Brushed gold

2. Drawers and cabinets

Tall sliding pantry
Tall linen cabinet and customised broom cabinet
Push-to-open soft-close drawers
Washing hamper drawers for yet-to-be-washed items
Large drawer under the front loader stores washing baskets; and when the drawer is open, wet loads are scooped from the machine into the carry basket below.

3. Integrated and hidden appliances

Raised washing machine and dryer
Integrated freezer
Ironing centre
Task lighting with LED strip lights under overhead cabinets
Hidden ‘home’ for Robo Vac via floor entry/exit at base of a tall cabinet

"Why we chose KitchenWise"

As newcomers to Goulburn Weir, Ross and Sharyn contacted a number of cabinet makers before discovering KitchenWise in Shepparton. Until then, they had struggled to find a cabinet maker which ticked all the boxes for their dream kitchen and laundry:

Travel and Expertise

"KitchenWise would travel here and do a job of this complexity," Ross says.

Solutions for baking nook with open view

At their initial in-home design consultation, we gave a solution on how to achieve Sharyn’s wish list “baker’s kitchen” (U-shape peninsular design) with open view to the kitchen island.

"Previously, the only other planning option given to us was a baking room behind a wall of ovens,” Sharyn says. “We'd done our best to make the area open by knocking out walls, and I didn’t want the feeling I was going to be locked in a room.”

3D Design Renders

After receiving their quotation and viewing their 3D render design plans , the couple were convinced KitchenWise was the perfect cabinet maker for their project.

“The 3D drawings by KitchenWise are great,” Ross says. “When you can visualise the design, it makes all the difference.”

Client focused

Sharyn and Ross were rapt with the expertise, craftsmanship and customer service during their renovation journey with KitchenWise .

“Our designer and the installation team were great," Sharyn says. "Everyone at KitchenWise was fantastic – and the final result is exactly what we wanted.”

Ready to renovate your kitchen or laundry?

Our team of expert designers and cabinet makers would love to be a part of your renovation journey!

Send us your enquiry or call (03) 5831 2077 to book your free on-site design consultation.

KitchenWise Classic

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 05:00:56 GMT

Shepparton Golf Bowling Club 2025 KitchenWise Classic

KitchenWise again rolled into the new year in classic style.

As our cabinetry team resumed work after our holiday closure, bowlers from across the Goulburn Valley returned to the greens for the 2025 KitchenWise Classic at Shepparton Golf Bowling Club.

The one-day fours event – popular for its spot on the calendar, atmosphere, and $3000 total prize money – was contested by 24 teams from across the region on Saturday, January 11.

“We’ve proudly supported the event since 2013,” KitchenWise director John Gribble said.

“It’s usually on the second Saturday in January, the week before pennant competition re-starts after the holiday break.”

John, a pennant player and bowls co-ordinator at Shepparton Golf Bowling Club, said the KitchenWise Classic was quality competition with a fun atmosphere.

The tournament’s festive tone is set to music from the ’60s to ’80s, courtesy of the sound system placed in the middle of the two greens for the day.

“It’s a great atmosphere,” John said. “The green keepers, kitchen staff, and all of the volunteers put in a lot of work to make sure everything runs smoothly.”

Shepparton Golf Bowling Club president Jock Hastie said the KitchenWise Classic was “a well-respected and fun tournament”.

“The KitchenWise Classic helps players return to form after the holiday break, in time for the second half of the season," Jock said.

"The greens are really well prepared, and we get entries from good teams.”

Jock recalls a discussion with John before the inaugural KitchenWise Classic, 13 years ago.

“I said, ‘John, are you going to put a team in? People would probably like to see you play - and beat you!’ ”

On convincing John to play, Jock joined his team, along with Wayne Gribble (John’s dad).

“There’s a lot of friendly rivalry, because everyone wants to beat John and his team!” Jock said.

The 2025 event was a close contest: five teams were undefeated after three games. After playing their final ends, the team skipped by John won the tournament.

Having now won the KitchenWise Classic twice (plus a second and third place) since 2013, John's team naturally had to contend with friendly banter. “It’s about time the others tried to beat us,” John said, laughing.

Jock, who is well known on the greens for his sense of humour, added: “The opportunity is there for those teams to beat us, so maybe they need to practise more!”

Placegetters: KITCHENWISE CLASSIC

Winner: John Gribble, Glenn Power, Wayne Gribble, Jock Hastie. (Shepparton Golf Bowling Club).

Second: Wayne Dagger, Nev Manton, Mick Hanna and Dean Jones (Composite team, Shepparton Golf Bowling Club and Tallygaroopna bowlers).

Third: Neil Macklin, Lynton Stephens, John McKenzie and Mick Kirk. (Wunghnu).

Fourth: Alan Dove, Mick Cummins, Paul Trewren and Jimmy Solanki. (Shepparton Golf Bowling Club).

Butler's pantries

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 07:15:36 GMT

Kitchen plus butler's pantry: things to consider

Butler’s pantries are a rising trend in Australian kitchens.

With our love for open-plan living and entertaining, a growing number of renovators and home builders are seeking more kitchen storage and benchtop – and space to hide food prep mess from guests.

So, while historically the work domain of a butler employed by the wealthy, butler’s pantries are now a mainstream inclusion in modern kitchen designs. No butler needed!

What is needed, however, is careful planning with a kitchen specialist to design a butler's pantry that best meets your needs.

Here is what Kitchen Wise designers discuss with clients who have a butler's pantry on their wish list:

Space

The area you need depends on what appliances are required in the room.

Ideally, a butler’s pantry should be at least 1.6m wide and 2.2m deep. This space allows for a 60cm-deep benchtop that would fit a fridge, oven, microwave and sink.

However, if the room is only 1.2m wide, we suggest shelving and benchtop to be 40cm deep to maintain a walk space of 80cm (the width of most doorways).

If you have 2.4m by 3m of space available, your work area will be about the size of a small kitchen.

Shape

The shape of your butler’s pantry will depend on available space, and whether you want the pantry to be fully or partially hidden from the main kitchen, dining and living areas.

Shapes include:

Straight-line (galley) – suitable for areas of 1.6m
L-shaped – suitable for areas more than 1.6m
U-shape – suitable for large areas

Function

A butler’s pantry is a kitchen within a kitchen. Think of it as a walk-in pantry and kitchenette.

When planning your butler's pantry, KitchenWise designers establish what large, medium and small appliances you plan to use in the space. Do you need to permanently house a blender, Thermomix or coffee machine on the benchtop?

Do you want to have an under-bench or over-bench microwave space? Do you want to accommodate a wall oven, dishwasher, wine fridge or in-built wine cube?

And we discuss what needs to be stored and accessed often, or less frequently? Do you want the pantry completely hidden from the main kitchen, or a partial feature and extension of the space? For example, some clients choose to have their coffee machine or a decorative display seen as a feature from the open-plan area, and other's prefer a streamlined flow from kitchen to butler's pantry.

Heat and moisture

We also need to consider the heat and moisture which generates from appliances. So, we discuss whether some form of extraction is needed.

Power points

The number and placement of appliances will determine where power points are needed to ensure full functionality of your butler’s pantry.

Task lighting

Whether or not you have natural lighting from a window or skylight, task lighting needs to be considered during the design stage for your food preparation and cleaning zones.

Finishes

Your budget and personal preferences will determine the finishes and hardware you choose.

You may prefer basic, open cabinetry to save manufacturing costs – or incorporate drawers, space saving hardware, attractive doors or integrated appliances.

There are plenty of options for a luxurious look, even for the budget conscious. For example, we can match your kitchen’s stone benchtop with a look-alike laminate in the pantry. Or, we can match your kitchen’s gloss doors with melamine doors in the pantry

Other trades

It’s a small area, but a butler’s pantry still requires multiple tradespeople to ensure the space is a functional and pleasant work zone which meets Australian safety standards. If required, KitchenWise organises all the relevant tradespeople for your project, such as electrician, plumber, painter, and glazier or tiler for splashbacks.

Book a design consultation

If you are dreaming of a new kitchen with a butler's pantry, contact KitchenWise to book a design consultation . Phone 5831 2077.

Modern makeover - Kialla

Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:06:25 GMT

Client story: Kitchen renovation

When Kialla Lakes couple Susan and Peter decided it was finally time for their dream kitchen, they contacted KitchenWise for the modern makeover.

While they liked their 18-year-old kitchen’s layout, they recognised it needed updating, and a custom-designed and manufactured kitchen by cabinet makers was their preferred option.

Old kitchen

“Our builder made the kitchen on site in 2004; it was supposed to be a temporary design until we could afford a custom kitchen by cabinetry specialists,” Susan recalls.

“In 2011, we had painters change the colour from cocoa and beige to blue and beige, but the outcome was not successful and it re-ignited our original dream for specialist-made cabinetry.”

Design brief

Susan and Peter wanted a modern makeover which repeated – but upgraded – some elements of their original kitchen.

“We liked the layout of the old kitchen, so asked KitchenWise for a similar floorplan but a more open and modern feel,” Susan says.

“KitchenWise needed to tweak the position of appliance and cabinetry position in the new design, and removed the roller-door appliance cupboard, which really opened up the kitchen.”

Display cabinet and two-toned cabinetry

Susan and Peter’s design brief included a similar-style display cabinet with glass doors to their old kitchen, and to retain a two-coloured theme between overheads and under-bench cabinets.

“We wanted updated finishes, including stone benchtops and glass splashback, and better use of bench space,” Susan says.

“The difference is striking. The quality of cabinetry is very obvious.”

The KitchenWise design features under-bench and display cabinets in 2-pac paint finish with soft-bevel door and drawer fronts.

The old kitchen’s painted overheads have been replaced by Lamiwood, touch-close doors and under-cabinet LED strip lights.

Quality and function

“Our new kitchen cabinetry is a massive improvement,” Peter says.

Susan adds: “We like the openness of the new kitchen.

“We love our soft-close drawers, lovely benchtop and glass splashback, which is easier to clean than the old tiles and grout.”

3D design service

In addition to specialist hardware and finishes, the couple enjoyed KitchenWise’s 3D design service which helped them visualise their new kitchen from varied angles before cabinet makers began manufacture.

“We were really impressed with the photo-image quality of the 3D designs for our renovation, which showed our colours and materials,” Susan says.

Service: "Everything ran so smoothly"

“The service and professionalism of KitchenWise for our kitchen renovation was brilliant. Everything ran so smoothly,” Susan says.

“They phoned ahead or text to let us know arrival times for trades, and checked if it suited us.

“KitchenWise always arrived right on time for appointments and installation. They organised all the trades needed for our renovation ̶ everyone was great and always arrived on time.”

Are you dreaming of a new kitchen?

KitchenWise cabinet makers and design experts are specialists in custom cabinetry, with quality craftsmanship supported by CAD software and advanced cutting technology.

If you are planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation, or building a new home, book a free design consultation with our team today.

Phone 5831 2077, or email your enquiry to info@kitchenwise.com.au

Kitchen island with table attached - Kialla

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 06:42:57 GMT

Renovation: Kitchen | Bathroom | Laundry | Entertainment units

A new kitchen with reimagined dining space has transformed the function and flow of Tania and Cameron’s Kialla Lakes home.

KitchenWise replaced their family of five’s “pokey” U-shaped kitchen and “tucked around the corner dining room” with a spacious island kitchen with table attached, and breakfast bar . The renovation also features modern bathroom vanity, laundry cabinets , and two entertainment units by KitchenWise.

“We lost the dining room to expand the kitchen, and moved some walls and doorways around to make it work,” Tania says.

“Our kitchen is now the centre of our home. I love how everything works and flows, and how we can enjoy our family environment better.”

Kitchen design anchors new floorplan

An island kitchen with perpendicular table anchors the remodel of surrounding rooms, alongside a builder shifting the passage doorway which was opposite the front door. The main living space now has defined areas: kitchen/dining; main entrance; and family room, featuring a built-in low-line entertainment unit by KitchenWise.

“Before it was a single space, but nothing flowed: now we have distinct zones,” Tania says.

The kitchen island’s lower-level solid timber table imbues warmth ̶ and wow factor ̶ in the revamped open-living space, while stone benchtops, glass splashback and contrasting cabinetry (in colour and profile) expand into the former dining room.

“In our old kitchen, you had to nudge people out of the way to open the fridge or cupboards,” Tania recalls.

“Now there is room to move, and everything flows. I love how easy it is to work and talk to people around the bench and table at the same time.”

Shaped stone island with perpendicular table

The shaped stone island with perpendicular solid timber table is a striking, and practical design in the modest-sized main living space.

“We were limited by space due to the front door and family room but still needed a dining table,” Tania says.

“We entertain outdoors so the new dining table was intended for our family of five, yet there’s still room for a couple of extras.”

At its narrow end, the island’s lower-level Wormy Chestnut table maximises dining space, and floorspace to the front door; before the stone benchtop shapes and widens into a breakfast bar.

The solid timber table features a natural edge; and the shadow line between the elegant stone benchtops and cabinetry also nods to quality, custom design.

Dream kitchen improves function and flow

“I’ve dreamt of a kitchen renovation from the day we moved in!” Tania says of buying the 1995-built home in 2009 and renovating 12 years later.

“We loved the area, but not the house. The old kitchen was pokey, and the dining room was tucked around the corner. Nothing flowed.

“The kitchen pantry was dysfunctional: it was only 60cm wide with deep shelves, so I was constantly reshuffling or pulling things out to reach items at the back. The [floor] bin was also kept in the pantry.

“There were two corner cupboards and three small drawers, so we were always bending down or getting on our knees.”

Today the kitchen has a double-door easy-access pantry, brims with soft-close drawers of various sizes, including a bin drawer in the island’s main working zone.

Bathroom vanity and laundry cabinets

KitchenWise cabinetry also elevates the home’s enlarged bathroom and laundry.

The resort-style bathroom includes a wall-hung vanity. “Each of our sons has their own drawer, so it’s easy to keep clean,” Tania says. “There’s also enough room for more than one person at the vanity.

“The laundry is more functional with overheads and shelving, and accessible linen and broom cupboards. There’s also a washing drawer so we no longer need to jump over washing baskets on the floor!”

Entertainment units and shelving

New entertainment units and shelving in the family room and loungeroom provide functional storage, and display areas which Tania has enjoyed styling.

Design and service

“I was really happy with the service from KitchenWise, starting from our initial design consultation at home,” Tania says. “They were punctual and reliable, and kept us up-to-date.

“Our designer was amazing. I didn’t need to stress about choosing colours because he easily put them on our plans on the showroom’s big screen.”

Book a design consultation

Are you planning a kitchen renovation, bathroom or laundry remodel, or a custom-designed entertainment unit?

Phone KitchenWise on 5831 2077 to book a free design consultation or email your enquiry to info@kitchenwise.com.au

Images: Diana Spriggs Photography

Calm living home

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 11:57:00 GMT

Cabinetry designed for new lifestyle

Kialla Lakes couple Peter and Anita are relishing their family’s “lifestyle change” in an upsized and renovated home with designer kitchen and end-to-end custom cabinetry.

Their family of four moved lakeside in early 2023, after a full-scale interior makeover of the executive-built house to a calm living space in neutral and organic tones.

Not only did the four-bedroom home offer more storage and living areas, the pre-move revamp expanded and customised the new home’s cabinetry by 80 per cent.

“Everything has its space and place,” Anita says. “This level of home organisation adds to our feeling of calm living.”

Kitchen and butler's pantry

At the heart of the renovation is the new open-plan kitchen/living/dining area.

The dual-entry stone island kitchen – now with butler’s pantry – is triple the size of the original U-shaped design which was bookended by a T-bar and small step-in pantry.

“The old kitchen had glossy cream cabinetry and black laminate benchtops and didn’t justify the space of the house,” Anita says.

With the builder reconfiguring the fridge-side wall to open space for a walk-in pantry and shifting the doorway behind the former T-bar, KitchenWise was able to re-position appliances and design a dual entry kitchen.

BEFORE: The old U-shaped kitchen with T-bar between sink and former dining zone.

AFTER: The new island kitchen has a second entry with re-positioned fridge and oven on the T-bar side of the old kitchen.

Breakfast bar

Peter and Anita agree their spacious, fully-appointed stone island kitchen is the warm heart of the home.

“We all gather here, it’s the hub of the home and there is such a happy vibe,” Anita says.

A three-sided breakfast bar has a cavity for two stools in the kitchen zone, with plenty of room to walk behind anyone seated or to access the fridge. Breakfast bar seating varies from structured two-sided placement which highlights the corner end’s panelled exterior, to a three-sided dining table configuration for casual family dinners.

Structured two-sided seating at the island bench.

Informal three-sided seating at the island bench.

"We love the flexibility of seating around the island, so may not even use our new dining room table chairs when they arrive!" Anita says of the since furnished open-plan living area.

Streamlined work space

Elegance meets efficiency in the streamlined kitchen and butler’s pantry. The sleek aesthetic includes handleless finger-pull cabinetry in aptly named Calm White by Laminex and under-cabinet LED strip lights in line with the extraction fan’s in-built task light.

The Quantum Quartz Ash Grey stone benchtops and neutral glass splashback flowing from the kitchen into the pantry also unifies the two zones, with the undermount sink and integrated dishwasher in a shared work triangle.

“We’ve had four adults cooking at once and nobody was in anyone’s way,” Peter says.

The calming white cabinetry’s sleek design lines are complemented by warm, organic tones.

The kitchen and butler's pantry share an undermount sink, optimising bench space along the cooking zone.

Clever storage solutions

“We love all our soft-close drawers and having spice and utensil drawers next to the cooktop,” Anita says.

Also hidden within the cabinetry are slide-out under-bench bins and innovative storage solutions to “optimise every centimetre of storage space”.

“There are no dead corners,” Peter says, spinning and sliding out one of the pantry’s two pull-out corner carousels.

(Above and below) The butler's pantry has two corner carousels, which rotate and slide out for easy access of all items.

With a boiler-maker background, Peter is “a perfectionist for exact measurements and functionality,” giving KitchenWise a huge tick of satisfaction from initial design consultation to installation.

“Everything is so well designed in form and function,” he says. “It’s seamless and flawless.”

Along with an abundance of kitchen and pantry storage, the island’s panelled exterior in Lamiwood Terril (Matt Finish) discreetly conceals a cupboard between the breakfast bar and stone waterfall end.

The island’s panelled exterior features a breakfast bar and cupboard (pictured with door partly open).

Buffet-style storage on the waterfall end of the kitchen exterior.

Home design flows with custom cabinetry

KitchenWise cabinetry and display applications featuring Lamiwood Honey Elm (Chalk Finish) anchor the home’s transformation.

The timber-look and texture melamine flows from the entrance foyer display nook to the family room, either as complete installations or as accents to cabinetry in Lamiwood Calm White or Lamiwood Terril.

“We wanted a warm, natural calm feel,” Anita says. “In our previous home, nothing matched – except for our custom kitchen. We only had one living space, which is where Peter practised guitar and kept all his music gear.

“Renovating this new [upsized] house was a chance to finally have everything matching in our style.”

Room by room: Before and After

With three living areas plus study, the front lounge was modernised as a media room – a retreat for Peter’s guitar practice and for the couple’s university-aged children to relax with friends.

Dubbed by KitchenWise as “the guitar room”, the wall-to-wall media unit has tailored space for Peter’s guitars, cases and amps; plus, easy access to the family’s music collection, videos and box games.

Lamiwood Terril drawers are framed by Honey Elm, with deep floor-to-ceiling cabinetry accommodating bulky music equipment.

BEFORE: Entrance foyer with glass shelf in display nook.

AFTER: The entrance foyer’s display shelf in Lamiwood Honey Elm (Chalk Finish) and matching vinyl floor adds warmth to neutral tones.

Lamiwood Honey Elm and the home’s matching vinyl flooring never meet, separated by Calm White or Terril coloured cabinetry, or (in the revamped powder room) open space under wall-hung cabinetry.

The wall-hung vanity in the powder room harmonises with the flooring.

Open-plan kitchen/living/dining

Natural lighting spills into the home’s new open-plan living area, thanks to the builder removing partial feature walls and two black floor-to-ceiling columns which previously flanked the entrance to the living/formal dining room.

A stone waterfall island features in the new open-plan kitchen/dining/living space. The zone with a new two-sided heater (above, left) was initially behind partial feature walls and floor-to-ceiling round columns.

BEFORE: TV and display wall in family room before renovation.

AFTER: The yet-to-be furnished family room with a new custom-built TV unit by KitchenWise.

Walk-in robe

With walls reconfigured in the master bedroom walk-in robe, the L-shaped robe now has a second entrance from the hallway. Robe cabinetry seen from the hallway has been designed to discreetly hide its true function: “It looks like you are walking past a study, instead of a walk-in robe,” Peter says.

Custom cabinetry visible from the hallway (above right) hides its true function as part of the master bedroom’s L-shaped dual-entry walk-in robe (below).

The unseen end of the wardrobe, accessed from the master bedroom, has an expanse of hanging rails, customised soft-close drawers, shelving, a large pull-out washing basket drawer, and a pull-out ironing centre for any clothing needing a last-minute press.

When open, the walk-in robe's ironing centre (above) is hidden from the hallway (below).

Bathroom vanities and laundry

In the wet areas, Essastone benchtops in Pure Cloud and wall-hung cabinetry in Lamiwood Honey Elm combine with a striking update in design and colour scheme.

The soft neutral tones have replaced combinations of orange and cream (main bathroom and master bedroom ensuite) and black and cream (laundry and nearby powder room).

BEFORE: Main bathroom before renovation.

AFTER: Main bathroom after renovation.

Master bedroom ensuite after renovation.

The streamlined new laundry echoes the materials and colours in the home’s wet areas.

(Above and below) The laundry’s floor and bench space is optimised with space-saving hardware, including two large washing basket drawers to separate washing, pull-out ironing board, and hanging rail.

3D design "blew us away"

Thanks to KitchenWise’s 3D design service, the couple were able to refine their design wish list and choose materials and colours with visual ease.

"It blew us away to see our plans on a big screen while the designer made changes as we made decisions," Anita says.

Peter admits viewing the 3D plans was the first time he grasped Anita’s renovation vision, recalling his initial reluctance to buy the house: “It was well built, but not our style. At first, I was totally not interested in renovating.”

While instantly seeing makeover potential, Anita agrees the KitchenWise 3D-design consultation brought the project into sharp focus: “It all came to life before our eyes and made it so easy to visualise the final look.”

Book your consultation

If you are planning a single room or full-scale renovation, KitchenWise is ready to help bring your dream to reality.

View some of our client's 3D designs.

COVID-19: Video call design appointments available

Sat, 11 Apr 2020 03:30:00 GMT

KITCHEN INSPIRATION FROM HOME

“There is no place like home” has never been more meaningful than during the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.

As our communities work together to stay at home, increasing health precautions, and maintaining social distance at work and in public, it is humbling to know people are also supporting local businesses and jobs during this challenging moment in history.

At KitchenWise, the health and safety of our clients, staff and community is our primary focus. We also remain committed to providing our valued clients with quality service and cabinetry during the current health situation.

We have adapted our service delivery by taking the following measures:

SHOWROOM

Our showroom is open for private appointments to ensure social distancing during your design consultation. Rest assured, a maximum of three people (maximum two clients from the same party and one design consultant) will be in our showroom during your appointment. Please let us know in advance if you must bring children, so we can discuss other options.

Our showroom is cleaned between appointments. Hand sanitiser is available for you and the design consultant. If you are unwell, please phone before your appointment so we can make other arrangements.

FREE IN-HOME AND VIDEO CALL DESIGN APPOINTMENTS

STEP 1: IN-HOME APPOINTMENT

We are social distancing and applying hand sanitiser on arrival to your initial design consultation at home. Please let us know in advance if you would like us to also wear gloves and/or a face mask. During this appointment we discuss your needs, style and budget, provide advice and inspiration – and take measurements for our designers to draw your plans.

However, if you are uncertain about visitors in your home at the moment, we can discuss how you may be able to provide measurements and a sketch for our design team.

If you have architectural plans, you can make an appointment to drop them into us, or email info@kitchenwise.com.au

To arrange your design consultation, phone 5831 2077 or CLICK HERE .

STEP 2: VIDEO CALL FOR 3D DESIGN APPOINTMENT

Once you have received your quotation, choose between a private showroom appointment or video call appointment for your 3D design consultation.

If you choose a video call appointment, you will see our design consultant’s screen in real time, allowing you to discuss your plans in the same way as a face-to-face 3D design consultation in our showroom. We can also take you on a virtual live tour of the showroom to view cabinetry hardware, materials and colours. Where required and feasible, we can arrange drop-off/in-home viewing of colour and material samples.

MANUFACTURING

It’s business as usual for our suppliers and peer trades, so we are still able to deliver your dream kitchen, bathroom, home study or other cabinetry without delays. We will keep you informed if the situation changes.

Our team is social distancing and following health guidelines in the office, factory and on-site.

STAY AT HOME

Our staff are asked to stay at home if they are unwell. If you or a member of your household is unwell before a face-to-face appointment or installation, we ask that you inform us by phone so we can reschedule.

Thank you for your support during this evolving health situation. We will keep you updated with any more changes.

- Take care and stay safe.

Spacious and social - Kialla

Fri, 26 Apr 2019 02:53:00 GMT

Client story: Kitchen renovation

A kitchen renovation for this Kialla client has transformed day-to-day life and how the active family of five entertains.

Once small and tucked away in the quirky footprint of the two-storey 1970s abode, the kitchen is now the beating heart of the home.

The new kitchen has opened previously limited views of the bush surrounds.

OLD KITCHEN: SMALL AND BOXED AWAY

Despite its central location between the dining and two living areas, the L-shape kitchen with small island bench was a partly hidden work zone. The space wasn’t appealing for multiple people to work in, nor a place to gather on social occasions.

“I like having people around and chatting to the family and visitors when I am in the kitchen, but our (old) kitchen was totally boxed away and just wasn’t a space that drew people in,” our client recalled.

“Our kids like cooking, but there was no space for us all to be working in the kitchen at once.”

The small ‘walk-in’ pantry in the original kitchen was short on shelving and entry space, and no overhang on the island bench meant there was no leg room for seating.

“It wasn’t really a walk-in pantry: you could only take one step inside, so it was more like a step-in pantry,” our client said.

“There was no room for seats at the (island) bench, and if the kids needed to talk to me while I was in the kitchen, they would basically stand in the doorway, and not stay long.”

Aesthetically, a servery wall and support post to the A-frame on the corner of the kitchen blocked the property’s vista of established gardens and bush views. These visual obstructions accentuated the kitchen’s low ceiling, further shrinking the room’s sense of space.

The old kitchen was mismatched, cramped and lacked pantry and seating space.

The new designer kitchen by KitchenWise is spacious, functional and optimises outside views.

RENOVATION BRIEF

There was a lot on the wish list, but primarily our client wanted a large open-plan social kitchen and interactive family space which maximised the property’s garden and bush views; an expanse of soft-close drawers, modern storage solutions; a huge L-shaped island bench with seating zones and surround storage; and a fully functional butler’s pantry.

The kitchen now has a butler's pantry, which has been built in the space of a former hallway which backed onto a small "step-in" pantry.

The butler's pantry, built into the space of a corridor behind the old kitchen, has an outside view and lots of natural lighting.

The handleless cabinetry flows seamlessly from kitchen to butler's pantry, which includes a handy noticeboard to eliminate benchtop clutter.

BRINGING THE DREAM TO LIFE

The KitchenWise design team worked closely with our client on-site and in our showroom to create the family’s dream. Once we determined the wish list, and shared ideas according to budget and lifestyle needs, we created 3-D designs of a spacious and functional custom kitchen and butler’s pantry.

“KitchenWise gave us so much time and energy to make sure they knew what we wanted,” our client said. The plans even replaced a child-size door into the adjoining stairwell storage space with a larger door which would appear to be part of the external kitchen cabinetry.

BEFORE: A timber post and servery wall dominated the small kitchen's space, while a tiny door (far right) accessed storage under the stairwell.

AFTER: The new kitchen is a vibrant space for family living, and a larger door to the stairwell storage is a seamless extension of the cabinetry.

A builder was contracted to remove the servery wall and support post on the corner of the old kitchen before we arrived on-site for installation. This created room for a bigger open-plan kitchen, which would be more inclusive to the living areas and optimised the property’s serene outside views.

A “funny little corridor” behind the kitchen’s northern wall, which linked the bedroom wing to outside entertaining area, was remodelled to create space for the butler’s pantry.

NEW KITCHEN: A VIBRANT HUB FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

This kitchen is now the stunning centrepiece of the home and family living. Not only is the family rapt with the aesthetics and functionality of the kitchen and butler’s pantry, everyone loves the interactive home living it has created.

“There is always someone in the kitchen having a chat, and often people sitting at the bench,” our client said.

“We often have dinner around the bench, and it’s a great place to sit if you are having a cup of coffee or when people drop in.”

The L-shaped stone bench is a welcoming place for family and friends to gather.

"I DO TRULY LOVE IT"

Our client said she “loved everything” about the handleless kitchen and pantry.

“Almost one of my favourite things is how easy the cabinetry is to clean (without having to wipe around handles). I had to have a bigger sink (steel, with tray) in the kitchen and wanted a sink (undermount) in the butler’s pantry too. I love the soft-close drawers: there are so many drawers, and they are wider and deeper than what we had before.

“I love the benchtop: our first house had an all-white benchtop which showed everything, so I was always wiping it. But the grey fleck in this white stone benchtop hides marks.”

Strip lighting under the overhead cabinets provides great task lighting and adds even more wow-factor to the pastel green tiled splashback.

While our client is rapt with the statement pieces in her kitchen and butler’s pantry with garden view and ample bench space for food prep and portable appliances, it is also the elements – large and small – inside the cabinetry that has her tick of satisfaction: easy to access corner cupboards, pull-out wire baskets, under-bench wine rack, customised space for platters and trays, versatile inserts in drawers, under-sink caddies, and drawer bins.

“I do truly love it,” she said.

Double top-mount sink with tray in the kitchen.

Under-mount sink in the butler's pantry.

Customised drawer inserts.

The kitchen is brimming with soft-close drawers, including plenty of space for pots and pans.

Strip lights supplied by KitchenWise provides task lighting in the kitchen and adjoining butler's pantry (to left).

The pull-out under-sink caddy is a hidden, and handy, feature in the new kitchen.

Our clients love the wire baskets in the butler's pantry.

The under-bench wine rack in the butler's pantry is easily accessible when entertaining guests.

Tray dividers in the butler's pantry.

KEY DESIGN FEATURES

Benchtops: Quantum Quartz Michelangelo Stone, 40mm pencil edge. (Chopping boards out of cut-outs)

Cabinetry: Painted, Colourtech White, satin finish

Base doors: Deep reverse bevelled (handleless) profile

Overhead doors: Classic profile

Hardware: Drawers ̶ Hettich Innotech full extension soft-close and Hettich Sensys soft-close hinges; under-sink slide-out and pull-out caddy (kitchen); adjustable drawer inserts; twin 35 litre bin (kitchen); twin 15 litre bin (pantry); and wire baskets (butler’s pantry)

Cabinetry lighting: Strip lights underneath overhead cabinetry to splashbacks (kitchen and butler's pantry)

BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION

If you are planning to renovate your kitchen, contact KitchenWise today to book a free design consultation on 5831 2077 or at https://www.kitchenwise.com.au/contact

Simple sophistication - Shepparton area

Fri, 22 Feb 2019 05:39:00 GMT

AT HOME IN HAMPTONS STYLE

Experienced renovators and home builders Peter and Maree Spry have a design motto of keeping things simple.

But “simple” equals timeless sophistication for the well-travelled pair, whose professional careers have meant settling in varied Australian cities and regions.

The “joyfully retired” couple engaged KitchenWise for Hamptons-style kitchen, bathroom and laundry cabinetry in their recent renovation of a 19-year-old home near Shepparton.

KITCHEN WITH CLASSIC, BUT CASUAL ELEGANCE

Peter and Maree wanted to replace the home’s original Baltic pine kitchen with “a practical but beautiful 20th century kitchen”.

“I thought the old kitchen had great bones, but no ergonomic swings,” Maree said.

“For its era, the original kitchen was a good kitchen, but this is a better one: it’s a KitchenWise kitchen!

“It’s an efficient, well-designed space with sophisticated simplicity.”

Classic elegance is key to this Hamptons-style kitchen.

The Sprys’ design brief closely replicated the classic, but casual Hamptons style they had loved in their previous home in Bowral.

While ergonomic swings in the food preparation and cooking zones were essential, so too was closed cabinetry.

“I don’t like open cabinetry for display: I like clean, sleek lines,” Maree said.

The painted cabinetry pops as a modern, but “considered” classic grey in the light-filled open space, which is anchored by new timber flooring and framed by the Sprys’ go-to wall colour Antique White USA.

Peter and Maree chose a stone splashback and benchtop “because it is elegant and simple”, while an undermount sink also adds a seamless touch of class to the island benchtop.

Discreet placement of power points maximises the seamless expanse of stone which features on the island bench.

The undermount sink creates minimal disruption to the clean lines of the stone benchtop.

The kitchen’s shell handles with classic detail and understated knobs continue the simplicity and subtle elegance of Hamptons style.

Maree loves the kitchen’s soft-close drawers, and the functionality and practicality of the two large utensil drawers with customisable inserts.

A modern, square chandelier and downlights have replaced the original kitchen lighting. KitchenWise supplied strip lighting for the overhead cabinetry along the cooking wall, providing a subtle highlight for the stone splashback while also ensuring ample task lighting.

Strip lighting highlights the elegant stone splashback, and provides excellent task lighting.

Sophisticated simplicity is achieved with the subtle detailing on the shell handles and Laminex Shiver doors and drawer fronts.

Soft-close Hettich drawers ensure exceptional function, and are a standard design feature in KitchenWise cabinetry.

Customisable drawer inserts allow utensils to be stored efficiently and accessed quickly.

KEY DESIGN FEATURES ̶ KITCHEN

Benchtops: Silestone Eterna Statuario, 40mm, pencil edge,

Splashback: Silestone Eterna Statuario, 20mm

Island bench: Recessed seating area, proud kickrails, undermount sink

Cabinetry: Laminex Colourtech Shiver-profile doors and drawer fronts, Porters half-strength Grey Pepper, satin finish; feature capping above overhead doors; strip lighting underneath overheads in cooking zone

Hardware: Drawers ̶ Hettich Atira full-extension soft-close runners, Hettich adjustable cutlery trays, brushed nickel shell handles; Doors ̶ Hettich Sensys soft-close hinges; brushed nickel knobs

ENSUITE

The builder’s remodelling of the original bathroom layout created space for KitchenWise to install a floating vanity to replace the previous Baltic pine vanity. The new vanity features a 40mm pencil edge Caesarstone benchtop in Snow, and Laminex Shiver-profile doors and drawer fronts in Dulux Monk.

The renovation of the original ensuite includes a floating vanity with stone benchtop.

LAUNDRY MAKEOVER

Maree and Peter wanted to increase the work and storage space of the original laundry. They also wanted to update the colour palette of the original laundry, which had apricot-toned cabinetry and a painted laminate benchtop, offset by chequered floor tiles and cedar skirtings and door jambs.

The new laundry created by KitchenWise is neutral toned (cabinetry in Laminex Lamiwood Baye, natural finish; benchtop in Laminex Moose, natural finish), and features more overhead and underbench cupboards, including linen drawer for washing items; and linen/broom cupboard. Bench space has been maximised, continuing over the front-loader washing machine and dryer instead of ending at the side of the appliances.

“It is a much more efficient laundry now, with a built-in linen basket and excellent storage, and the colour is much more in tune with our lifestyle,” Maree said.

The renovated laundry cabinetry maximises storage and bench space.

A linen drawer ensures bench space is kept clear of ready-to-wash items.

PROJECT PARTNERS

The Sprys are enjoying their retirement to Victoria and say their next great challenge will be the redesign of their garden. What is not likely to change is their eye for detail, quality, and classic, yet casual style.

“KitchenWise understood the brief and worked hard to deliver a great product,” Maree said.

“We think all of the staff members were fantastic. We would not hesitate to recommend their services to renovators and new home builders.”

BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION

Whether you are an experienced or first-time renovator/home builder, KitchenWise can expertly guide you in your design journey and selection of quality materials for custom cabinetry tailored to your taste and lifestyle.

Book a free design consultation on 5831 2077 or at https://www.kitchenwise.com.au/contact

Minimalistic design - Shepparton

Fri, 22 Feb 2019 04:27:00 GMT

KITCHEN WITH LUXE PRACTICALITY

The old kitchen at Angela and Greg Doxey’s former hobby farm had just one nest of regular-closing drawers, and “everything on display” – but their new KitchenWise kitchen is the opposite story!

By the time the empty nesters were ready to build their new home in Shepparton, they had a well-researched list of ultra-modern must-haves for their designer kitchen, butler’s pantry and laundry.

Now, with an expanse of soft-close drawers and cupboards to store – and hide – all kitchen and laundry items, Angela jokes with her adult children she could “lease them a cupboard or two”.

From the custom design to wow-factor aesthetics of the kitchen, the Doxeys couldn’t be happier.

“We just love how workable and well laid out everything is,” Greg said.

A far cry from their former farm house, the Doxeys' new home features an ultra-modern KitchenWise designer kitchen with ample, tucked-away storage, and four work areas - cooking zone, island bench, breakfast pantry, and butler's pantry.

The breakfast and butler's pantries are concealed when not in use, while the dark-toned cabinetry frames the highlight timber-toned overhead cabinetry and glass splashback in the cooking zone.

THE BRIEF

Modern, luxe and minimalistic living were high on the agenda for the Doxeys, who kept their needs for pre-retirement and future senior years as part of their design focus.

After Greg’s meticulous research into design styles and contemporary storage solutions in the years preceding the build, the couple already had an established brief before engaging KitchenWise for custom cabinetry.

“I’d been researching things for three or four years, so we had a very specific brief,” Greg said.

“KitchenWise had to work out a lot of bits and pieces to balance the lines of what we wanted in the kitchen.”

The Doxeys wanted four zones which functioned independently but integrated seamlessly: cooking wall, large island bench, breakfast pantry (dubbed the breakfast nook), and butler’s pantry. They also wanted to conceal the doorway to the butler’s pantry when that room was not in use.

Positioning height of appliances in the kitchen was also a critical element on the Doxeys’ brief, and the KitchenWise design team worked closely with the couple to ensure their requested height worked with the symmetry of the kitchen design.

The timber-toned overhead cupboards feature motorised doors.

FOCAL POINT

To enhance the resort-style theme of their home, Greg and Angela selected timber-toned cupboards above the rangehood and glass splashback, framed by wider, darker floor-to-ceiling cabinetry.

“We liked the idea of using the timber overheads as the highlight, rather than the splashback being the focal point,” Greg said.

“We chose the timber laminate to go with the floor. The colours blend in with our brief.”

While the darker, surrounding soft-close cabinetry is complete with sleek handles, the contrasting overheads are handleless, and feature motorised lift-up doors.

Bookending the cooking zone’s benchtop are two sleek appliance towers, one integrating a coffee machine, and the other accommodating a 76cm oven and hidden microwave (behind a lift-up panel).

The placement of handles was an important consideration, simplified through viewing different options during a 3-D design consultation in the KitchenWise showroom.

The kitchen features a large, stone benchtop and statement breakfast pantry with slide-in doors revealing strip lighting and full-extension soft-close drawers.

ISLAND BENCH

After years of “having everything on display”, the couple wanted an uncluttered and functional space which transitioned seamlessly from day-to-day living to hosting the weekly Sunday lunch for children, partners and Angela’s mum.

“We are used to having all the food on the middle of the kitchen table, but I wanted a lot of island bench space for the food for our family meals,” Angela said.

Our clients wanted minimal disruption to the expanse of white with grey fleck stone, so a top-mount sink was placed to the waterfall-end closest to the double fridge, breakfast nook and butler’s pantry.

Even power points are out of sight on the island bench, with digital clutter tucked away inside a purpose-built charging drawer.

BREAKFAST PANTRY (NOOK)

When not in use, cabinetry doors hide the Doxeys’ breakfast pantry. Slide in-doors reveal strip lighting which highlights the sophisticated nook. This space includes narrow shelving for jars, open cavity for toaster and kettle and nest of full-extension drawers in charcoal (instead of standard white melamine) to match external cabinetry.

The nook is flanked by two pull-out pantries for quick access to taller food items.

A pull-out pantry sits on both sides of the breakfast pantry, dubbed the breakfast nook, which is hidden by slide-in doors when not in use.

BUTLER'S PANTRY

The Doxeys love the bifold door, matched to the colour of the cabinetry, to conceal the butler’s pantry.

While a bi-fold mechanism would usually fold outwards, Greg asked for a reverse fold towards the pantry to protect kitchen space. To achieve this reversal, our cabinet-makers custom-built a pelmet to conceal the mechanism when the door closed.

Angela said food preparation was a breeze with ample open shelving, overhead and under-bench cabinetry, soft-close drawers, glass splashback and spacious benchtop which echoes the kitchen colours and materials. Pull-out wire baskets and a pull-out corner unit also feature.

“I love the corner rack and access to shelves; nothing goes out of date,” Angela said.

A coffee machine is integrated into an appliance tower in the kitchen, while a bi-fold door blends seamlessly with the cabinetry to conceal the butler's pantry when not in use.

The spacious butler's pantry echoes the kitchen design, colours and materials.

Floor-to-ceiling open shelving provides quick access to pantry items.

Pull-out wire racks are a popular "must-have" in butler's pantries.

A Hettich Magic corner unit ensures no space is wasted and items are easily accessible in the butler's pantry corner cupboard.

Cleaning products are neatly stored and easy to find in an undersink caddy.

Pull-out twin bins free bench and floor space in the butler's pantry.

KEY DESIGN FEATURES - KITCHEN AND BUTLER'S PANTRY

Benchtops: Quantum Quartz Torino, 40mm pencil edge, waterfall ends

Cabinetry: Feature cabinetry above rangehood ̶ Laminex Lamiwood, Satin Heartwood, natural finish with motorised lift-up mechanisms; all other cabinetry ̶ Laminex Lamiwood, Charcoal, natural finish

Hardware: Drawers ̶ Hettich Atira full-extension soft-close runners; breakfast pantry ̶ Hettich Arcitech full-extension soft-close inner drawers in Anthracite; Hinges ̶ Hettich Sensys soft-close; 2 x pull-out pantries (kitchen); Hettich Magic Corner unit (butler’s pantry); wire baskets (butler’s pantry); twin 35 litre bins (kitchen) and twin 15 litre bins (butler’s pantry); Hettich adjustable cutlery trays and spice trays (kitchen)

Cabinetry lighting: Strip lights underneath overhead cabinetry to splashbacks (kitchen and butler’s pantry), and upsides in front of shelves in breakfast pantry

LAUNDRY TO LOVE

“A must-have was the clothes hanging rail ̶ and I love it!” Angela said.

“Size-wise the laundry is about the same as our old house, but it has more cupboards and practical space.

“We wanted the front-load washing machine raised off the ground, and the dryer (above the washing machine) at a good height,” Greg said.

Floor space is maximised in this user-friendly laundry, with the ironing board folding away inside a drawe

The front-loader washing machine and dryer are at the couple's preferred working heights for easy access.

REWARDING JOURNEY

The Doxeys are justly proud of their new home, and said they enjoyed the process of the cabinetry design journey with our team.

“KitchenWise have been amazing; nothing was ever too much trouble,” Angela said.

Greg agreed: “We had a very specific brief and they listened to everything, and gave a lot of advice.”

BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION

Whether you already have fixed ideas for your dream kitchen and other household cabinetry, or need expert guidance to get started, contact KitchenWise to book a free design consultation on 5831 2077 or at https://www.kitchenwise.com.au/contact

Plant power

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 10:23:00 GMT

STYLING IDEAS FOR YOUR NEW KITCHEN

We are loving the resurgence of indoor plants for styling and practical use in kitchens.

Whether your kitchen is ultra-modern, retro, traditional or modern – plants exude a sense of calm and homeliness.

From herbs at your fingertips to plants with a capacity to absorb odours and purify air, many plants also provide health benefits.

And of course, there are plants (real or faux) that simply just add the finishing touch to a beautiful new kitchen.

Here’s a little kitchen design and plant inspiration to add nature’s flair to the heart of your home.

The windowsill in this classic-themed kitchen provides filtered sunlight for plants and a styling area which maximises the bench space below.

An attractive tray layers the styling of plants in this kitchen, and importantly, also protects the benchtop.

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT

Adding greenery to your new kitchen is an inexpensive way to style. But, remember to protect your main investment ̶ your kitchen! While plants are easily replaceable, the cost of replacing damaged cabinetry or benchtops is not worth any plant. So, when decorating with plants, it is important you protect your kitchen surfaces first.

Take precautions to keep your bench dry from soil and water drainage to avoid stains or swelling of your beautiful kitchen surfaces. Use drainage dishes and leave plants on the sink or outside to ensure the base has dried after watering.

Choose plant containers that won’t scratch your cabinetry and benchtop surfaces. Where possible, cut felt to size, and glue it to the bottom of the container to ensure it has a soft, scratch-free surface.

And protect your pets … Some indoor plants are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, so check the labels and ask your plant nursery experts for advice

Take precautions to protect your kitchen surfaces when styling with plants.

WHAT TO GROW

Obviously our area of speciality at KitchenWise is in kitchen design, manufacture and installation – not indoor plants! So, ultimately, we recommend you seek expert advice from your local plant nursery about which indoor plants will work best in your space. However, we’ve done a little research to get you started.

Herbs ̶ With flavour at your fingertips, kitchen herbs are a practical and healthy addition to your kitchen. Herbs need a bright space. Choose herbs you use a lot, or try basil, parsley, chives, mint or oregano.

Basil is a favourite herb to have on hand in the kitchen, and can be styled in almost any container to suit your kitchen theme.

Spider plant ( Chlorophytum comosum ) ̶ This easy-care plant requires occasional watering, and thrives under a variety of conditions. It can live near a window, on your benchtop, or underneath your overhead cabinets. The spider plant is a natural air purifier, removing odour, fumes and pollutants from the environment.

The spider plant is available in green or variegated varieties, and is a stunning contrast on a black stone benchtop.

Aloe vera ( Aloe barbadensis ) ̶ This succulent loves bright conditions, and will grow well in filtered sunlight on a shelf, windowsill or other area. Aloe vera can tolerate humidity because it reacts similar to a cacti in hot conditions. Water deeply but infrequently. The gel inside the leaves of Aloe vera helps heal and soothe minor burns and some skin irritations, so is great to keep on hand in the kitchen.

Caution: Aloe vera is toxic to cats and dogs.

Aloe vera is an easy-care succulent, popular as a houseplant around the world.

Cacti ̶ A low-maintenance plant, which needs plenty of sunlight and the occasional mist spray.

While a trendy addition in kitchen styling, cacti in the kitchen is a Feng Shui no-no. But if you do not live by Feng Shui principles, at the very least, make sure your prickly plant is not within reach of young children – or adults during happy hour!

A cacti grouping adds a quirky touch to this sleek, ultra-modern kitchen, but would not get the stamp of approval from Feng Shui enthusiasts.

African spear ( Sansevieria cylindrica ) ̶ A bold and beautiful succulent which only requires occasional watering. Indoors this plant prefers bright, filtered light, but can acclimatise to low-light conditions. Caution: Sansevieria are toxic to cats and dogs.

English ivy ( Hedera Helix ) ̶ This plant helps purify the air, and as long as it spends some time in direct sunlight is simple to look after. It looks great cascading above a kitchen sink or near a kitchen window as a hanging plant, but equally adds flair in a scratch-free pot on the bench or climbing a topiary frame. Caution: English ivy is toxic to cats and dogs.

English ivy’s pointy leaves come in a variety of hues of green and accents of whites, yellows and blacks to match any kitchen.

STYLING IDEAS

Lighting, heat and humidity are the biggest considerations when working out where to place your plants. But in terms of how you arrange them and what you pot or place them in, you are only limited by your imagination. So, have some fun experimenting!

Different tiers of plants in matching pots can create an indoor oasis, and link living areas.

Maybe you want to create an indoor oasis with lots of hues of greens and different shaped leaves; prefer to spread plants at different heights in colour-matched plant holders; group the same species in matching containers; or perhaps, a minimalistic approach takes your fancy.

There is no right or wrong answer; the choice is yours, and you can change things around on a whim. And, if you really don’t have a good track record with keeping even the most easy-care indoor plants alive, you can still bring the outdoors inside with the endless array of realistic looking faux plants.

A glass splashback provides lovely reflection for plants, which in this kitchen are potted in a matching finish to the cabinetry handles.

Groupings of three in the same variety of plants adds visual interest and balance with the statement wall ovens in this sleek kitchen.

Continuing the white theme of the kitchen benchtop and cabinetry in white plant boxes works beautifully with uniform pops of green.

Mixing white pots and metallic accents with different plant varieties adds dimension and warmth to this white, handleless kitchen.

HEART OF YOUR HOME

A beautiful, custom-designed kitchen is the heart of your home. KitchenWise specialises in expert design, quality materials, and professional craftsmanship, ensuring your kitchen renovation matches your taste and lifestyle, and adds re-sale value to your home. We also project manage other trades required to turn your dream kitchen into reality.

To book a free design consultation, phone 5831 2077 or visit https://www.kitchenwise.com.au/contact

For more design inspiration, see:

White kitchens at https://www.kitchenwise.com.au/white-kitchens

Handleless kitchens at https://www.kitchenwise.com.au/handleless-kitchens

Choosing kitchen handles

Fri, 09 Nov 2018 05:18:00 GMT

8 THINGS YOU NEED A GRIP ON

Handles add the final touch to the style of your kitchen and how it connects to the surrounding living space.

But with the seemingly endless range of handles to choose from, just how do you get a grip on the perfect handles for your dream kitchen?

Here are 8 things to consider:

1. STYLE

The handles you choose will influence the overall style of your kitchen. For example, think decorative, old-world style hardware for traditional kitchens; and simple, sleek hardware for contemporary kitchens. Another modern look is matching cabinetry handles with a similar style and finish to your appliance handles.

Sleek cabinetry handles are matched to the double-wall oven in this contemporary kitchen.

Decorative handles and knobs complement other traditional features in this KitchenWise design.

If your kitchen is a transitional style (that is, a somewhere in the middle) you can blend elements which are traditional and contemporary – but don’t sway too far one way or the other. For example, complement sleek cabinetry with slightly decorative handles. Or, match recessed-panel doors with simple-style handles.

Non-decorative handles on flat drawer fronts can pair with square knobs on recessed-panel doors in a transitional-style kitchen.

2. FINISH

Settling on your preferred handle style first, makes choosing the finish simpler.

Handles for traditional-style kitchens are available in a huge array of finishes; popular choices are brushed nickel, black, satin chrome, polished chrome, and antique finishes such as pewter and bronze.

Bow handles with a brushed nickle finish complement a classic-style kitchen. Image: Laminex

Houston handles with a 128mm hole centre in a brushed nickle finish in a transitional design by KitchenWise.

Contemporary kitchen designs are complemented by hardware in brushed nickel, black and satin chrome, especially when matched to appliances and tapware.

Keep in mind the colour(s) of your cabinetry when choosing handle finishes. While most finishes will work on white and painted doors/drawers, some finishes will become ‘lost’ on timber tones.

Livorno handles with 160mm hole centre and matt black finish complete this ultra-modern design KitchenWise built for Sessions Builders. Image: Bethanie Hemeter, Sessions Builders

The Midline 128mm hole centre in brushed nickel pops on the dark tone of this KitchenWise design.

3. GRIP

How does the handle feel in your hand? Is it easy to grip, and does it feel comfortable? Do you like a rounded feel, or prefer an angled profile? Do you like the fixed grip of a pull handle, or the movement of a swing handle?

If you have large hands or arthritis, you should consider a handle that has a spacious profile and provides ample room for your hand between the door/drawer surfaces.

The Houston handle has a curved, slim-line grip.

The Victoria D-pull has a rounded grip.

4. SIZE

Where once most handles had 96mm hole centres, the standard has shifted to 128mm and 160mm hole centres. Meanwhile, larger handles are available in up to 320mm hole centres.

The size you choose will be determined by the weight and width of your drawers/doors, and the look you are trying to achieve.

Traditional or transitional-style handles are usually about one-third the width of door/drawer, while longer handles of at least two-thirds the width of the drawer/door are popular in contemporary kitchens.

Where a handle design is available in different lengths, you may choose to use long versions on wide drawers and short handles on narrow drawers. However, if you want a sleek, streamlined look, choose an in-between size that is in proportion with all drawer sizes ̶ not too long for narrow drawers, nor too short for wide drawers).

Brooklyn 128mm hole-centre handles work on all door and drawer sizes in this KitchenWise design.

Some handle designs can span the width of doors and drawers.

5. MIX ’N’ MATCH

Teaming handles and knobs works in traditional and transitional-style kitchens; while in transitional and contemporary kitchens you can tone-down the use of handles by using them on base cabinetry and doors only. Handle-free overhead cabinetry can be touch-to-open or have a reverse bevel (a space behind the panel for fingers to grip).

A contemporary kitchen can mix handles on base cabinetry and walk-in pantry with touch-to-open doors on overheads.

Classic kitchens can mix and match handle styles, such as a standard pull and shell pull.

Ornate swivel bail handles in antique pewter (above), matched with the T-bar knob (below) give old-world charm to a traditional kitchen.

6. POSITIONING

Not only do you need to decide where on your drawer and door fronts you want your handles placed, but also which direction.

Where: Convenience and style comes to play when considering where handles are placed. For example, you need to be able to reach handles easily, have room to grip them, and make sure they don’t knock surrounding appliances, cabinetry or walls when the cabinets are open.

Direction: Traditionally, handles are positioned horizontally on drawers and vertically on doors. However, horizontal placement on doors provides an ultra-modern look in contemporary kitchens.

Fixture: Make sure you are certain where you want handles positioned before the first screw hole is drilled. It’s too late to change your mind once handles are fixed!

This KitchenWise client chose two handle sizes in traditional directions - vertical on doors and horizontal on drawers.

Large handles placed in traditional directions - vertical on doors and horizontal on drawers (at right of cooktop).

The horizontal fixture of the handles in this KitchenWise design enhances the expanse of the large-tiled splashback.

Lip handles (at top of base cabinetry, and bottom of overheads), are a discreet handle option.

7. COST

Handles range from $8 to $40 each, depending on the style, finish and size you choose.

8. NO HANDLES

Handleless designs are trending in ultra-modern kitchens – giving sleek, uninterrupted lines.

However, this can add to the cost of your kitchen because the mechanisms in touch-to-open cabinetry are more expensive than standard to mid-range handle options. Reverse bevels to grip cabinetry are another option in handleless kitchens.

Importantly, you need to decide at the start of the design process if you want any handles at all, because this will determine how the kitchen is set-up and manufactured.

Read the pros and cons of handleless kitchens at https://www.kitchenwise.com.au/handleless-kitchens

A handleless kitchen can combine reverse bevels (finger grips) on base cabinetry and touch-to-open doors on overheads.

GUIDING YOUR CHOICE

Our showroom at 6 Telford Dve, Shepparton features a wide range of quality, attractive handles to suit kitchens of all design styles.

Our expert design consultants guide clients in all aspects of hardware selection during a scheduled showroom appointment. You can feel the handle profiles, see what they look like against your chosen doors and drawers, and visualise placement options on your 3-D kitchen design.

To book your design consultation, phone 5831 2077 or visit https://www.kitchenwise.com.au/contact

Luxurious engineered stone

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 07:59:00 GMT

ESSASTONE RELEASES SEVEN NEW STYLES

The Essastone 2018 Collection combines the tactility, beauty and heft of natural stone with the durability of European quartz. Image: Laminex

Essastone has added a suite of new styles to its premium range, introducing seven elegant colours imbued with rich textural appeal.

From a bold, on-trend terrazzo look to cool grey concrete and timeless, subtly veined marble, the Essastone 2018 Collection was designed to suit an array of classic and contemporary interior schemes.

Essastone's collection of luxury engineered surfaces delivers functionality and durability with panache.

ESSASTONE 2018 COLLECTION

The Essastone 2018 Collection introduces a new level of tonal and textural variation made possible by the latest innovations in European engineered stone.

With its rich, nuanced palette and highly bespoke feel, the seven new styles evoke marble, granite, concrete and terrazzo with extraordinary subtlety and realism, taking the Essastone range to 34 styles.

From kitchen and bathroom benchtops to splashbacks, these surfaces exude finesse, design flair and, unlike natural marble, are highly resistant to citrus staining and scratching.

Essastone Lava Black. Image: Laminex

LAVA BLACK

A sleek, minimal take on classic dark granite, Lava Black achieves a noirish look imbued with depth and elemental appeal thanks to its flecks of grey basalt and coffee-toned granular detail.

Essastone Terrazzino. Image: Laminex

TERRAZZINO

Confetti-like quartz crystals pepper Terrazzino's light grey base to deliver a smart, contemporary update on the traditional Italian terrazzo style that's so hot right now.

Essastone Milano Venato. Image: Laminex

MILANO VENATO

A delicate, milky-white surface enlivened with soft, snow-white veining, Milano Venato achieves a quietly radiant look that's perfectly suited to any application or colour pairing.

Essastone Perla Venato. Image: Laminex

PERLA VENATO

An understated warm-grey base shot with delicate, off-white veining and sophisticated gradation, Perla Venato is characterised by its soft elegance and luminous, opalescent tone.

Essastone Grigio Novello. Image: Laminex

GRIGIO NOVELLO

Smouldering charcoal shades coalesce with smoky, taupe-coloured veining to form Grigio Novello, a dramatic yet highly versatile surface for residential and commercial projects.

Essastone Marmo Bianco. Image: Laminex

MARMO BIANCO

Conceived in the classical marble style, Marmo Bianco's crisp ivory base is overlayed with subtle yet substantial veining. The shifting intensity of the surface's remarkably authentic marbling draws the eye and will introduce elegance to any space.

Essastone Luna Concrete. Image: Laminex

LUNA CONCRETE

The robust, hand-trowelled aesthetic of Luna Concrete will create the anchor point in any space and imbue it with a feeling of warmth and a relaxed, modern sensibility. Shallow dimples, ripples and ridges in the unique finish capture the industrial appeal of off-form concrete with an extraordinary degree of tactility.

FIND YOUR STYLE

Clients dreaming of engineered stone in their new or renovated kitchen or bathroom, are guided through the beautiful range of products in our new showroom at 6 Telford Drive, Shepparton.

See the Essastone 2018 Collection and our large range of other engineered stones during a scheduled showroom appointment by phoning 5831 2077 or at https://www.kitchenwise.com.au/contact

Stone benchtops: KitchenWise answers frequently asked questions at https://www.kitchenwise.com.au/style-set-in-stone

Handleless kitchens

Fri, 12 Oct 2018 02:52:00 GMT

TO HANDLE, OR NOT TO HANDLE? THAT IS THE QUESTION!

It hasn’t always been so, but these days one of the first questions we ask clients during their kitchen design consultation is, “Do you want handles?”

Where handle style was once the final point of discussion in kitchen style, the inclusion of handles is no longer a given, but a design choice.

While some people have their heart set on no handles, others may not even realise they are leaning towards a handleless design until stepping into our showroom.

For example, we have clients arrive with magazine or internet images of sleek, streamlined designs which inspire their dream kitchen.

“So, you want a handleless kitchen?” we ask, referring to their images.

While some have made a deliberate "no handles" decision, others reply in surprise “Oh, I didn’t even notice there weren’t any handles! I just liked the look.”

SLEEK, STREAMLINED STYLE

A handleless kitchen will give a modern, sleek and streamlined look. While there is a plethora of handle choices which also achieve a sleek, contemporary aesthetic, a handleless kitchen leans towards a minimalistic look.

The uninterrupted lines of a handleless kitchen will make a small kitchen look larger, and allow other design features, such as splashbacks and accessories, to stand-out without any competition.

A handleless kitchen promises a streamlined aesthetic.

While handles don’t take up a lot of room, a small space can feel larger without them - and nobody will ever get their clothes hooked!

A handleless kitchen can achieve an ultra-modern finish.

HANDLELESS OPTIONS

There are two options in handleless cabinetry. These are:

Touch to open – A light touch on the panel engages a spring mechanism inside the door/drawer to open it.
Deep reverse bevel – A gap between the drawer fronts, at top of benchtop doors and at bottom of overhead doors, provides space for fingers to grip and open the panel.

Both handleless options have pros and cons which we help you navigate during your design journey and selection of cabinetry materials.

A touch-to-open handleless design. Image: Laminex

Deep reverse-bevel cabinetry enhances the clean lines of this KitchenWise design.

OPTION 1: TOUCH-TO-OPEN CABINETRY

PROS

A clean, ultra-sleek, uncomplicated look which allows the use of many materials in finishes for doors and drawer fronts.
Touch-to-open cabinetry lends itself to a flat panel, such as plain melamine or paint finish, with no profile (except on the edgework). While a perfect fit with flat panels, touch-to-open cabinetry also works well with some detailed profiles.
Touch-to-open works with multiple colours in the one kitchen design, allowing you to easily introduce different products. For example, you can mix high-gloss paint finish doors with a timber grain to achieve a minimalistic, yet homely look.

CONS

The need to lightly push a panel every time you want to open or close a door or drawer increases the likelihood of fingerprints or temporary marks from food, oils or other products on your hands.
Long-term touching on cabinetry panels increases risk of scratches on doors and drawer fronts from fingernails, rings or bracelets. The good news is, there are products on the market, such as the Laminex Absolute Series, which are more resistant to scratches, fingerprints and food products. These are particularly popular with darker colours – but keep in mind these products are an upgrade from standard melamine, so will add to the overall cost of your kitchen.
A door or drawer may follow you open if you lean on it while standing at the kitchen bench.
The mechanisms used in touch-to-open cabinetry are more expensive than standard to mid-range handle options.
When closing touch-to-open cabinetry, a push is needed to re-engage the spring mechanism, eliminating the option of soft-close drawers. (Something to consider if you have young children).

Handleless cabinetry accommodates the mixing of colours and materials. Image: Laminex

While often used with flat, non-profiled panels, touch-to-open doors and drawers also work with well-chosen detailed cabinetry.

Dark colours are a popular choice in handleless kitchens, but can more easily show scratches, fingerprints or food transfer from hands. You can avoid this by upgrading to scratch- and mark-resistant materials, but this will increase the overall cost of your kitchen.

OPTION 2: DEEP REVERSE BEVEL

PROS

A sleek, clean, uncomplicated look. It differs from the seamless finish of touch-to-open cabinetry, with the finger grooves creating visual gaps between drawers and door fronts.
Allows for soft-close drawers.
Overhead cabinets can revert to a touch-to-open option, or we can hang the doors down about 20mm below the carcass line to allow fingers to grip behind and open the cabinetry. This will reduce the amount of times you need to touch the face of the door, preventing wear and tear or hand/food marks on the door surface.

CONS

You will lose some storage space to accommodate for the deep reverse bevel and its accompanying rail, which goes behind the door or drawer front so you don’t look inside the cabinet when it is closed.

Deep reverse bevels give sleek lines, with the finger grooves (as shown on these drawers) creating stylish 'gaps' between the cabinetry.

Deep reverse bevels create finger grooves for opening and closing cabinetry.

WHAT’S YOUR STYLE?

If you are already certain on a handleless kitchen, or still in the process of deciding on your style preference, the KitchenWise design team can expertly guide you in your choice. Our showroom is also brimming with handles for kitchens of all styles.

To book a design consultation, phone 5831 2077 or visit https://www.kitchenwise.com.au/contact

Choosing kitchen handles: 8 things you need to get a grip on at https://www.kitchenwise.com.au/choosing-kitchen-handles

White kitchens

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 07:36:00 GMT

CRISP, FRESH AND TIMELESS

In a world with endless colour choice for a custom kitchen, white is a steadfast hero.

A favourite with renovators and those building a new home, a white kitchen is crisp, fresh and timeless.

Here are six reasons why homeowners love white.

1. NEUTRAL THE PERFECT PARTNER

White is the ultimate neutral: it complements other neutrals through to bold colours. So, white will pack punch whether you pair it with a classic black benchtop, statement appliance, bright or pale splashback, brass or timber accents, or simply want the freedom to update kitchen décor with seasonal trends.

Pairing white with black is a classic combination, as shown in this KitchenWise design which highlights the statement oven.

While this KitchenWise client was yet to finalise a wall colour after cabinetry installation, they had peace of mind their all-white kitchen would not restrict colour choice. Likewise, some clients wait until installation before choosing their splashback colour.

This client's red splashback is a bold, but balanced feature with the white KitchenWise cabinetry and black benchtop.

2. CLASSIC COMFORT

White is always in style: it just does not date! Whether paired with other colours or layered in all-white textures, a white kitchen continues to stand the test of time.

White is easy to pair with plain and patterned neutrals.

A white kitchen is elegant and timeless.

3. DESIGN VERSATILITY

Whether you are dreaming of a classic, modern, industrial, zen or Scandinavian design theme, a white colour palette will work magic in any style.

White works with sleek and modern designs, and flows easily with an open-living area.

Detailed cabinetry and marble-style engineered stone work their magic in classic-style white kitchens. Image: Laminex

4. REFLECTS LIGHT AND 'GROWS' SPACE

White kitchens reflect light, giving a sense of luxury and space. White walls, cabinets and benchtops will optimise natural and electrical lighting, making even small kitchens feel larger.

White reflects light and makes small kitchens feel more spacious.

A spacious white kitchen exudes elegance and style.

5. ALL-WHITE WORKS

An all-white kitchen evokes a calm, happy mood. Far from feeling boring or clinical, warmth and visual interest is achieved through different finishes, textures and patterns, as well as décor and surrounding furnishings.

White on white works wonders with the layering of different finishes and materials in this KitchenWise design.

Simple brass accents and plants dress this white kitchen, which can be easily re-styled with emerging décor and colour trends.

6. BROAD APPEAL

Knowing white will not date, gives home owners peace of mind their kitchen will appeal to a broad market when the time comes to sell their property, whether that is in the near future or decades away.

Whether a modern design, like this kitchen built by KitchenWise for Sessions Builders, or a traditional theme, a white kitchen appeals to all ages. Image: Bethanie Hemeter, Sessions Builders

WHITE CONSIDERATIONS

So, what do you need to consider, when choosing a white kitchen?

From cabinetry to benchtops and splashback materials, white comes in a multitude of shades and finishes, ranging from matt to high-gloss.

Some whites have warm undertones, while others have cool undertones, which will work differently with various materials, flooring and surroundings.

It’s important to choose the right shade of white for your space, and this will be largely determined by the source and quality of lighting, as well as colour and texture of floor, kitchen materials, walls and surrounding furnishings.

COLOUR CONSULTATION

Choosing whites – or other colours – is made easy at KitchenWise, with our design team helping you each step of the way.

We guide you through the myriad of colour choices and materials during a scheduled design consultation.

If you are ready to bring your dream kitchen to reality, book a design consultation today by contacting KitchenWise on 5831 2077 or at https://www.kitchenwise.com.au/contact

Bathroom bliss

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 05:24:00 GMT

WHAT'S YOUR STYLE?

Are you dreaming of renovating your bathroom?

Or perhaps you are building a new home, and wanting a bathroom that is not only functional, but oozes with style.

But what style is your style?

While sense of style is intrinsic for some renovators and home builders, other people need guidance in realising their style – and demystifying which products, materials and colours work to pull this look together.

Laminex has made the process easier by naming 12 new design styles, and suggested material and colour palettes to achieve the look.

The design styles have been inspired by global trends and created to suit the Australian lifestyle.

The Laminex design styles are: Classic, Coastal, Glamour, Industrial, Inner Urban, Mineral, Modern & Co, Natural, Noir, Scandinavian, Vintage and Zen.

Here’s some examples of how these styles can take shape in bathroom design.

CLASSIC

Style tips: A Classic bathroom features detailed cabinetry doors and drawers, as well as dressed skirtings, architraves and cornices. Keep your cabinetry handles the same as your door hardware. You can’t go wrong with chrome or nickel.

Anchor the look with white or a soft contrast grey in walls, and wall sconces.

A Classic-style bathroom. Bathroom benchtop, Essastone in Carrara; cabinetry and kicker, Laminex ColourTech painted doors in Pearl Grey (textured finish); base cabinetry frame, Nostalgia Square textured door profile. Image: Laminex

COASTAL

Style tips: Fresh white walls with matching cornices, skirting and architraves to create a sense of space in a Coastal-style room. Warmth can be achieved with timber floors. Add textural interest with a nautical suggestion through natural materials such as rattan, timber and jute. Beaumont Tiles also has solutions for its take on a Coastal-themed bathroom, as pictured in the example below.

Beaumont Tiles inspired Coastal-style bathroom. Wall tile, Mos Navona Fan Rabbit Stone. Image: Beaumont Tiles

GLAMOUR

Style tips: Enhance period or architectural features such as cornices, skirting, architraves and ceiling roses for a Glamour-style bathroom. For example, a stunning contrast can be added by pairing a modern pendant with a period ceiling rose.

Glamour-style bathroom. Vanity shelf, Laminex colour palette in Charcoal. Image: Laminex

MINERAL

Style tips: Bronze, gold, brass and copper accents all work as highlights or features in Mineral spaces. Deepen the mineral story by mixing your metals from one room to the next.

Mineral-style bathroom. Benchtop, Essastone in Fino Venato (gloss finish); base cabinetry, Laminex ColourTech painted doors in Charcoal (gloss finish); base cabinetry frame, Classic textured door profile. Image: Laminex

INDUSTRIAL

Style tips: A monocromatic palette is key to the Industrial style with a mix of greys, charcoals, blacks and whites. Ideally ceilings are high, and the room includes a concrete tone and a large-scale black frame.

Industrial-style bathroom. Benchtop, Essastone in Chalkstone (gloss finish); base cabinetry and kicker, Laminex Impressions textured surfaces in Nocturne Oak Riven finish; cabinet side panels on overhead mirror, Laminex Diamond Gloss in Black. Image: Laminex

INNER URBAN

Style tips: The cool Inner Urban bathroom should feature a concrete look or aged timber in the flooring. Add splashes of black and metallic to lift the modern element. Black-framed windows create drama and a sense of urbanity.

Inner Urban bathroom. Benchtop, Essastone in White Concrete (matt finish); base cabinetry, Laminex finished natural timber veneers in American Walnut. Image: Laminex

MODERN & CO

Style tips: Clean lines and simplicity feature in Modern & Co. Timber will provide a warm contrast to crisp white walls, while carefully placed pendants complete the look.

Modern & Co bathroom. Benchtop, Essastone in White Concrete (matt finish); base cabinetry, Laminex Impressions textured surfaces in Elegant Oak Riven finish. Image: Laminex

Style tips: Medium timber tones create the core palette of the Natural style. Flooring works best in concrete or a large format natural/honed concrete inspired tile. This limits join lines and creates a sense of space.

Warm-white walls co-ordinate with grey. Simple pendant lighting works with this style.

NATURAL

Style tips: Medium timber tones create the core palette of the Natural style. Warm white walls will co-ordinate with grey.

Flooring works best in concrete or a large format natural/honed concrete inspired tile which limits join lines and creates a sense of space.

Natural-style bathroom. Benchtop, Essastone in Flint Igneous finish; base cabinetry, bench and wall-mounted cabinet all in Laminex AbsoluteGrain in Aged Walnut. Image: Laminex

Natural-style bathroom. Benchtop and splashback, Essastone in Limestone Cape; base cabinetry, Laminex AbsoluteMatte in Oyster Grey; overhead cabinetry, Laminex AbsoluteGrain in Aged Walnut. Image: Laminex

VINTAGE

Style tips:

Vintage is about colour and texture. If you are afraid of things looking messy, define your set of core colours and rotate it through the space.

Vintage-style bathroom. Benchtop, Essastone in Pure Cloud (gloss finish); cabinetry, Laminex colour palette in Curly Birch. Image: Laminex

NOIR

Style tips:

Walls should be a dark feature shade, such as black, navy, charcoal or grey. Use different finishes so that texture and shadow can lift the design and create visual interest.

The dark tones of the Noir style should be layered and used in different finishes to prevent the dark shades feeling oppressive.

SCANDINAVIAN

Style tips:

Walls should be neutral with white or cool grey base colours. Clean lines are integral to achieving this style, so take a less is more approach.

Scandinavian-style bathroom. Benchtop, Essastone in Caolino (matt finish); base and side cabinetry, Laminex finished designed timber veneers in Tasmanian Oak Wave; mirror trim and kicker, Laminex finished designed timber veneers in Tasmanian Oak Wave. Image: Laminex

ZEN

Style tips:

Choose a base white – and stick to it. Layer your chosen white by creating textural change in plaster finishes, timber cladding, wallpaper, textiles and rugs. You can prevent a clinical look by adding small injections of timber tones.

The calming vibe of a Zen-style bathroom is created with sleek lines, and layering materials and textures in one base white.

VISUALISE YOUR DESIGN

Our new showroom and colour consulting suite gives you the chance to view elements of the Laminex design styles, materials and colour palettes which can be used in any room of your home. We also feature other leading brands in cabinetry materials available for your selection.

In a scheduled showroom appointment, our expert design consultants will help you visualise your project by explaining your 3D drawing (created after your initial in-home design consultation), and guiding you through colour and material choices.

START YOUR DESIGN JOURNEY

If you are dreaming of a new bathroom, start the process by booking an in-home consultation with a KitchenWise design consultant. The design process starts with discussing your cabinetry wish list, available space, lifestyle, personal preferences and budget, and sharing ideas. Our expert designers then set to work on your 3D custom design and project quote.

For more information, phone 5831 2077 or go to http://www.kitchenwise.com.au/contact